Carlisle sticks with Essendon

Exciting young defender Jake Carlisle has recommitted to Essendon until the end of the 2015 AFL season, after signing a new two-year deal.

Carlisle has played a pivotal role in the club's impressive start to the season, after keeping a hold on a number of the competition's leading forwards.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on the eve of the traditional Collingwood Anzac Day clash.

"I couldn't be happier. It's a privilege to play for a club with such a rich and proud history, and it means a lot to recommit to the club that gave me an opportunity and drafted me," Carlisle said.

"It's great to re-sign for another two years, it's a great place to be and I'm really happy to be here.

"I'm glad I could get my contract signed so early in the season so I can just focus purely on my football and developing my game."

Senior coach James Hird said Carlisle's decision to re-sign was a wonderful show of faith in the club.

"I think it's tremendous to see Jake commit for another two years. He is the future of our football club and is one of the reasons why our members and supporters should be excited about the future," he said.

"Jake's start to this year - his positioning, his spoiling, his ability to take strong marks - and the way he uses the ball, we know we've got a very good player on our hands and we need to treat him well and keep developing him.

"Jake is a hard working young man with tremendous talent, but the most pleasing thing is he understands he still has a way to go if he's to develop into the player we know he can be."